Abstract: A weight training apparatus which develops strength, suppleness and memory in the muscles used for swinging of a sports implement which may be a baseball bat, tennis racquet, golf club or other sporting implement or equipment. More specifically, the trainer provides for normal use of the sport implement by a user to swing and hit an object such as a golf ball while providing shock absorption to reduce vibration and twisting of the implement upon impact with the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conserving power for a shot tracking device for attachment to a golf club. The method involves transmitting a plurality of signals from a shot tracking device attached to a golf club. The shot tracking device is enabled to determine that a threshold number of signals has been transmitted by the shot tracking device and a receipt signal has not been received by the shot tracking device, which in turn deactivates the shot tracking device until a predetermined event occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a structure comprising a top, a bottom, a sidewall, a central hole extending from the top to the bottom, a void in a section of the sidewall, and a curved cavity disposed in the top. The central hole is configured to accept a shaft of a golf club. The void is configured to enable a length of the shaft to pass through the sidewall into the central hole. A compressible material is joined to a wall of the central hole to contact the shaft. A clasp is joined to the structure. The clasp is operable to rotate about the sidewall to close the void and retain the shaft within the central hole. A spring mechanism is disposed in the curved cavity and is joined to the structure and the clasp. The spring mechanism is configured to be operable to urge the clasp to close the void.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having the ball striking surface located at a front of the head and a plurality of parallel face grooves extending laterally across at least a portion of the ball striking surface, a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face, and an indicator on the ball striking surface of the face. The indicator is located in an area between the face grooves and proximate a lateral center of the ball striking surface, and includes at least one indent in the ball striking surface. The indent has a depth that is substantially less than a depth of any of the face grooves. Methods associated with such ball striking devices are also provided.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.

Abstract: A golf training tool includes a boot having a first open end to be fitted over a grip of a golf club, and a rod projecting from a second end of the boot opposed to the first open end and which rod extends into the boot.

Abstract: A golf putter is provided having a training strike plate for training a user to consistently strike a golf ball at an optimal point on the putter face while putting. The golf putter has a club head. A training strike plate is selectively couplable to the club head. The training strike plate has a protrusion that extends from a face of the club head when the training strike plate is coupled to the club head. The protrusion has an elongated narrow face such that the protrusion is designed for driving a golf ball away from the protrusion at an acute angle relative to the face of the club head when the golf ball is contacted by an edge of the face of the protrusion.

Abstract: A start timing instructing device includes a sensor attachable to the body of a player to detect changes in angle and/or acceleration associated with a backswing movement of the player. A variable resistor sets a start timing associated with a predetermined angle and/or acceleration data and has a volume by which the set start timing is adjustable. A microprocessor calculates an angle and/or acceleration data of the backswing movement based on the detected angle and/or acceleration and generates a start timing instruction if the calculated angle and/or acceleration data meet the angle and/or acceleration data which have been set and adjusted through the variable resistor and the volume. The microprocessor controls a stimulator attached to the body of the player to generate a vibration, sound or electric stimulation upon receiving the start timing instruction so as to inform the player of the body start timing for the downswing.

Abstract: A golf ball has indicia adapted to allow a user to align the indicia with at least one of an intended direction of travel of the ball and a club head of a club the user will use to strike the ball. The indicia can be three parallel circles extending around the golf ball. A golf club can be provided with a marking on the club head adapted to align with the indicia on the golf ball.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training a golfer to achieve the proper club position at impact. The apparatus includes a tether having two ends. One end is connected to the head of a golf club type device at a location offset from the axis of the shaft. The other end is connected to a stationary support. The apparatus is used by causing the user to emulate a golf swing, the resistance in the tether forcing the user to achieve a square club face and forward leaning shaft in the impact zone.

Abstract: A golf club head, golf club and a set of golf heads and clubs is provided with a center of gravity indicator mechanism housed on the rear side that may include a latitudinal strip and a center of gravity locator structure positioned on an axis transverse to the rear side and extending through the center of gravity of the body. The center of gravity locator structure may be fixed on a golf club head or may be variable. Additionally, a set of golf club heads is provided in which the center of gravity indicator mechanism is varied for each club in the set as the position of the center of gravity locator structure is varied for each of the golf club heads. The golf club heads may be coupled to shafts and grips and other features to form a golf club or golf club set.

Abstract: An apparatus which uses a club having a head portion and a shaft. Integrated with the head portion is a shaped recess with a golf ball holder. The golf ball holder is capable of gripping and holding a golf ball with a predetermined force requirement for release, which requires the user to execute a proper golf swing to release the ball. The predetermined force requirement may be adjustable. The user also may vary the angle of the club face on various planes relative to the shaft, thereby changing the swing required to release the ball.

Abstract: A putter grip and blade assembly for a golf putter including a grip having a distal end and a proximal end with the grip having an opening at the proximal end for a shaft of a putter and additionally a recess in the length of the grip for a blade; the blade being rotatable for the blade to extend from the recess of the grip; and where the majority of the sides of the blade are within the recess when the blade is in a closed position.

Abstract: A training and practice aid for golfers may include extendable arms which may be attached to a shaft of a golf club. A golfer may look down at the arms and visualize an imaginary line on the ground. The imaginary line may be used to aim a club and provide a guide for foot positioning of the golfer.

Abstract: A putter training system includes a putter with putter head, an attachment secured adjacent the putter head, and a grid having sidewalls and a grid bottom. The putter head includes a bottom, a top and a face, where the top has at least one putter alignment line appearing thereon. The grid sidewalls are spaced apart by a distance larger than a length of the putter head. The grid bottom includes at least one grid alignment line cooperable with the at least one putter alignment line to facilitate alignment perception during a putting stroke. Additionally, the attachment is cooperable with the grid bottom to facilitate alignment feedback during the putting stroke.

Abstract: A T-shaped golf instructional tool adapted to fit over the grip end of a conventional or belly-type putter for the purpose of teaching a proper putting stroke and improving consistency. An attach bar is fixed to a putter grip using hook and loop fastened straps. The attach bar extends above the putter between the user's forearms, where two horizontal rods are fixed to the attach bar at a common junction. The horizontal rods provide feedback to the user and ensure his or her forearms, wrists and arms stay positioned together through the putting stroke. The horizontal rods align perpendicular to the putter face, allowing alignment of the shoulders and feet relative to the intended target. The attach bar can be adjusted out of plane relative to the putter swing path to accommodate different user geometry and proper posture over the ball.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: A golf system for training a golf player includes a golf putter designed to train the user in practicing an unconventional motion and a grid for guiding the motion of the golf putter. The golf putter includes a club head and a plurality of marking instruments such as styluses for marking the trajectory of the putter. The grid includes an enclosure, a recording device to record the trajectory of the golf putter, a plurality of guiding rails and an optional leveling device as well as an optional aiming device, thereby allowing the user to analyze his/her putting trajectory.

Abstract: Starting the execution of an athletic swing from the apex, an individual's hands should initially move passively down and allow the present invention, comprising of a protruding extension spring integrated with a mounting clamp and securely attached to either a baseball bat or golf club slightly above the grip of the hands, to touch and bend by the trailing forearm prior to rotating the body strongly into the ball. The contact of the spring to the forearm before ball impact will give immediate feedback to the individual that the club is ideally moving downward past the trailing shoulder and forearm and acquiring potential energy for the swing. If the spring does not touch the trailing forearm during the execution of the swing, the lack of contact will indicate that the club is moving over the top of the trailing forearm. This indicates a leaking of power during the swing.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots. The device comprises a golf club having a shaft and a handgrip portion. At least two indicators are attached to the shaft or to the handgrip portion. The indicators point along respective lines at respectively predetermined acute angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft on either side respectively of the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The indicators are preferably secured to a particular golf club in a permanent manner wherein they are not intended to be removed therefrom. The indicators may comprise first markings on a plate that is attached to the shaft or they may comprise first markings on a handgrip that is attached to the shaft. The golf club may comprise a practice club.

Abstract: This is a golf swing training device, consisting of a single unit which is placed over the grip end of a golf club. The golfer uses this apparatus by swinging the golf club allowing the equipment to slide down the shaft of the golf club during the forward swing process, causing it to slide into the club head, thus creating a loud audible sound, giving the golfer a frame of reference as to where the release took place, whether early or late.

Abstract: A method of custom fitting a golf club or like implements having a shaft and a club head at a lower end thereof. The method utilizes the centerline of the shaft to determine the proper lie angle and true playing length for the shaft. A pointing device is attached to the shaft such that a projected point thereof is aligned with the centerline of the shaft to extend the centerline to the sole of the club head. The club head is placed on a universal setup mat with the club face aligned with the baseline thereof and the projected point on a target line where the sweet spot of the club head should hit a ball. A lie angle protractor on the mat is folded upward so the lie angle can be read from the protractor. The method also determines the proper grip size for the handle of the shaft.

Abstract: A putting trainer has a long strip mounted to the head along a length of the putter head. The long strip has a pair of ends, namely a close end toward the player and a far end away from a player. The putting trainer has a ball path having a pair of columns of sensors, namely a column of right sensors and a column of left sensors. The pair of columns of sensors detect the motion of the long strip over the pair of columns of sensors. An audio output from a speaker provides feedback to the player. A golf trainer also includes a golf putter having a handle, a shaft connected to the handle, a hosel connected to the shaft and a putter head connected to the hosel.

Abstract: A putter training system includes a putter with putter head, an attachment secured adjacent the putter head, and a grid having sidewalls and a grid bottom. The putter head includes a bottom, a top and a face, where the top has at least one putter alignment line appearing thereon. The grid sidewalls are spaced apart by a distance larger than a length of the putter head. The grid bottom includes at least one grid alignment line cooperable with the at least one putter alignment line to facilitate alignment perception during a putting stroke. Additionally, the attachment is cooperable with the grid bottom to facilitate alignment feedback during the putting stroke.

Abstract: A swing training device which positively prevents a player's wrists from uncocking until a desired point the swing is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for training a golf stroke comprising: a grip for orienting the user's hands; a restraining bar for orienting the user's arms mechanically coupled to one end of the grip; a shaft mechanically coupled to the end of the grip opposite the restraining bar; and an indicator for the user to determine the orientation of the apparatus mechanically coupled to the end of the shaft opposite the grip. Such apparatus and related methods facilitate training a golfer to swing a golf club by executing a stroke with a proper grip, posture, alignment, balance, and movement during setup, backswing, downswing, and follow-through.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots. The device includes an indicator securable to a shaft or handgrip of a golf club by an attachment device such that it points along a line at a predetermined acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Preferably, the indicator is movable relative to the attachment device. In this case, a clamp is provided that allows movement of the indicator, such that it can be moved to point along a range of acute angles relative to the shaft and that can be tightened to clamp the indicator at a selected angle of the range. A plate with a scale marked thereon can also be provided and the indicator can include one or more needles that can be moved relative to the plate across the scale.

Abstract: The subject invention is comprised of a striking member adapted to emulate a specific selected sport, such striking member having removable indicator appendages that enable the user to feel by vibration and replicate by sight where the striking member is during the striking movement, and a target member adapted to emulate the playing object of the same selected sport, the target member including flexible, elongate momentum elements selectively attachable to the target member to provide progressive resistance and accurately simulate the characteristics of an actual ball or playing object.

Abstract: Golf club heads which include an iron type golf club head body including a ball striking face, a rear surface opposite the ball striking face (e.g., including a perimeter weighting member) and an indicator which indicates the location of the center of gravity of the golf club head body. Golf clubs including these club heads and methods of making such golf club and golf club heads also are provided.

Abstract: A golf system for training a golf player is disclosed. The golf system comprises a golf putter designed to train the user in practicing an unconventional motion and a grid for guiding the motion of the golf putter. The golf putter comprises a club head and a plurality of marking instruments such as styluses for marking the trajectory of the putter. The grid comprises an enclosure, a recording device to record the trajectory of the golf putter, a plurality of guiding rails and an optional leveling device as well as an optional aiming device, thereby allowing the user to analyze his/her putting trajectory.

Abstract: A golf swing training device for achieving a proper overall address position and for executing a proper golf swing, including setting the proper deviation of the wrists, setting the angular orientation between the shaft longitudinal axis and spine longitudinal axis as viewed from the side of the golfer, and for maintaining this deviation and angular orientation during the first part of the backswing. Held in fixed relation to the grip of the club is a member connected to a second flexible member that contacts the underside of the leading forearm when the golfer achieves a predetermined deviation of the wrist in the address position and during the first part of the backswing.

Abstract: A golf club sleeve for use with various golf club structures is presented. The golf club sleeve may have an airfoil shaped cross section and may extend over at least a portion of the shaft of the golf club to reduce drag associated with the shaft during a golf swing, thereby increasing swing speed. The golf club sleeve may be rotatable relative to the shaft of the golf club to orient itself during a swing in order to improve air flow over the sleeve.

Abstract: A golf club may have an orientation marker located on the golf club that indicates at least a relative orientation between the golf club head and shaft. The orientation marker may be located, for example, on the golf club head or shaft. A key member provides additional information with respect to the relative orientation between the golf club head and the shaft. The key member may be located, for example, on the golf club head, shaft, or grip portion, or on a head cover for the golf club head.

Abstract: [Subject] The objective is to provide a grip structure that enables a user to certainly grip a grip part at a predetermined position; concurrently, that excels in visual quality and is aesthetically pleasing. [Resolution Means] Scales 50 are established at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of a grip part 16, for example, on a toe side peripheral part 30 and a heel side peripheral part out of a circumferential surface 28 of the grip part 16, and particularly on the toe side peripheral part 30, the scales 50 are formed with asperity expanding toward a circumferential direction of the grip part 16. This scale 50 functions as a positioning scale and/or an angle adjustment scale. Further, angle adjustment scales 60, 62 and 64 may be established at the lower portion of the grip part 16.

Abstract: A training device for practicing and learning the technique of juggling or repeatedly tapping a golf ball off the face of a golf club. The device has a lofted club head to which is tethered a resilient ball. A ball receptacle, either a semi-spherical cup or a pair of arcuate arms may be provided on the toe of the head to retrieve or receive a ball. A lip on the sole facilitates retrieval of a ball to begin or resume practice.

Abstract: A golf putter training device is described. The training device includes a bracket having a first end configured to be attached to the putter shaft and a second end connected to a support shaft, a first visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on a first side of the plane, and a second visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on the second side of the plane. In another embodiment, the training device includes a third and fourth visual guide. In yet another embodiment, the training device includes visual indicators.

Abstract: A golf club with a golf club head having a wear indicator is provided. The wear indicator may be located on the club head face, the hosel, the sole portion or the rear portion of the club head body. Also, multiple wear indicators may be provided on separate portions of the club head. Inserts may be used to provide a wear indicating portion. A coating may be provided to serve as a wear indicator.

Abstract: A golf club head, golf club and a set of golf heads and clubs is provided with a center of gravity indicator mechanism housed on the rear side that may include a latitudinal strip and a center of gravity locator structure positioned on an axis transverse to the rear side and extending through the center of gravity of the body. The center of gravity locator structure may be fixed on a golf club head or may be variable. Additionally, a set of golf club heads is provided in which the center of gravity indicator mechanism is varied for each club in the set as the position of the center of gravity locator structure is varied for each of the golf club heads. The golf club heads may be coupled to shafts and grips and other features to form a golf club or golf club set.

Abstract: Wood-type golf club heads (e.g., drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, or the like) include: (a) a ball striking face; (b) a club head body engaged or integrally formed with the ball striking face, wherein the club head body includes a removable wrapping element proximal to the ball striking face.

Abstract: A training aid is described for facilitating a user swinging a golf club having a golf club head over a ground surface. The training aid includes a resilient spacer having an upper side, a lower side, and at least one peripheral edge connecting the upper side to the lower side, and an attachment means fixed to the spacer and adapted to selectively hold the spacer to the golf club head. With the training aid mounted to a lower side of the golf club head with the attachment means, the user may swing the golf club over the ground surface, the spacer preventing the golf club head from contacting the surface. In some embodiments, a cushioning means may be fixed to the lower side of the spacer.

Abstract: A training apparatus for temporarily increasing the weight of a golf club head has a body member having a perimeter profile which may at least partially mimic that of the golf club head and has a substantially flat surface for positioning adjacent the striking face of the golf club head. When fixed to the head of a golf club, the training apparatus increases the weight of the club and redistributes the center of gravity closer to the club head, allowing the golfer to benefit more from warm-up swings prior to actual play. The training apparatus may be formed of metal and contains a cutout or cavity in which a magnetic material resides to enable temporary attachment to the club head. In various other embodiments, the body member of the training apparatus may be substantially formed from either all metal or all magnetic material.

Abstract: A putting training aid comprises a short-putt module, a long-putt module, and a third putting module. The short-putt module includes a telescoping cylindrical shaft that is attached to the user's putter. When used, the short-putt module forces the user to keep the short-putt stroke straight. The long-putt module includes an arcuate guide to which a putter may be attached, thereby requiring the user to use an arcuate stroke for a long putt. The third putting module includes use of a mounting assembly that connects a putter to a horizontal bar. This embodiment allows movement of the putter along a generally defined arc that allows a slight transverse or perpendicular movement of the putter during the stroke.

Abstract: A laser aligning device is mounted on the flat side of a putter grip or other cylindrically asymmetric surface of a club grip and emits a fan shaped light sheet. The light sheet is perpendicular to the flat side of the putter grip. The light sheet projects a visible laser line on a plane such as the ground when the head is on the same plane. The alignment of the grip relative to the putter head's face can be inspected by visually inspecting the orientation of the projected line on the plane relative to the head's face. The grip can be adjusted and fixed so that it is properly oriented to the face.

Abstract: Embodiments of a portable vibration device are disclosed, along with their use in enhancing performance for athletic and other processes requiring precise body control. A small portable housing is removably attachable to an athletic implement such as the shaft of a golf club. A battery-operated vibration mechanism within the housing operates at a frequency suitable for enhancing muscle performance through stimulation. A frequency control circuit operable by the user enables adjustment of the frequency for various circumstances. A removable pad attaches to the vibration mechanism and defines features adapted to match a particular intended implement, and a removable cam attached via an axle to a motor can be replaced by a cam adapted for use with that same type of implement.

Abstract: A diagnostic golf club system having a diagnostic golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The diagnostic golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, and a non-volatile memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the diagnostic golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to determine a shaft flex profile for a particular golfer.

Abstract: Position measuring system including a synchronization transducer used to synchronize a position signal evaluation with the position signal emission of a wireless synchronization transmission line between a position signal transmitter and a position signal evaluation unit, or visa versa, in order to transmit synchronization signals to a series controller of a position signal transmitter or to identifying means of the position signal evaluation unit.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for training a person in slow motion to hit a ball at the sweet spot on a sports implement. The device includes a housing and a plate. The housing preferably comprises a tube; a rod slidably fitting within the tube; a stop affixed to the end of the rod; a compression spring surrounding the rod; and a ball on the rod at the end opposite the stop such that the end of the rod protrudes from the ball. The plate is affixed to the sports implement at its sweet spot and has a center hole of sufficient size to contain the end of the rod protruding from the ball. In the preferred method, a player swings the sports implement in slow motion towards the ball on the housing engaging the plate at the center hole over the protruding rod.

Abstract: A golfing aid 11 having two levelling sensors 32, 33 mounted on a D shaped sensor body 31 and a mounting means having three adjustable connectors 41, 51, 61 for adjusting the orientation of the D shaped sensor body 31 and an indication output in the form of spirit level bubbles 32, 33 for providing an indication of the sensed level orientation. A system of interactive adjustable connectors linked together to provide such variability that allows connection to any one of left and right handed clubs with different shaft diameters, different angle of putter shaft to putter head and different length shafts and different length putter heads to allow for substantially aligned overlying of the D shaped sensor body 31 over the putter head 23 while substantially aligning the golfing aid front face 34 correctly with the putter head front face 24.

Abstract: A golf practicing apparatus is provided which includes a club with a latch member. A target is provided which is held by a mount. When the golf club is swung in a predetermined manner, the target is released from the mount and is connected with the golf club.